The Ones Who Look Away (2024)

2.3 x 15.7 x 15.7 | Cement, Acrylic Sheet

The “elephant in the room” survives because denial is easy, and because we’ve seen what power does to people who speak up. The Ones Who Look Away is a visual commentary on the social irony of what they are finally forced to confront: their own distorted reflection—the inevitable outcome of turning away from reality.

In this work, figures turn their faces away as the clear wall — social pressure made visible — pushes directly against them. You can see the force in the distortion of their features, even as their nonchalant expressions seem to refuse to acknowledge it.

Part of the avoidance is learned: they’ve seen what happens to those who step up to correct the wrong; the wall pushes harder, flattening the face. The scene reveals how the uncomfortable truths we avoid and ignore can ultimately oppress us, paralyzing our lives.